On November 8, 2023, the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) organized a tribute to Professor Grégoire Sérof, one of the greatest Lebanese architects, who passed away in May 2022 at the age of 92. In recognition of his significant contributions, friends and colleagues from ALBA, where he had not only taught but also earned his degree, came together to pay a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.

Grégoire Sérof, born in 1930 in Rachmaya, Aley district, left a lasting impact on Lebanese architecture. Sérof's dedication extended to teaching at ALBA and the American University of Beirut AUB, where he shared his passion for raw concrete and drew inspiration from architectural luminaries like Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer.

Notable projects, including the Mont La Salle school complex and the Ministry of Energy along the Beirut River, contributed significantly to Lebanon's modern architectural heritage. His exploration of concrete continued with projects like the Sursock Museum extension, the Michel Limansky villa, and sculptor Zaven Hadichian's workshop. Amidst the war, Sérof's architectural journey led him to France, where he contributed to international projects. The Arab Center for Architecture preserves a substantial part of Sérof's legacy, holding his hand-drawn execution plans and perspectives in its archives.

Moreover, the tribute coincided with the 80th anniversary of ALBA's inception, marking the initiation of the first architecture school classes in 1943. Mr. Fadlo Dagher, the dean of ALBA, took a moment to reflect on the institution's rich history, emphasizing its establishment during a period of global turmoil and its notable contribution to shaping the careers of more than 2,000 architects. ​